Getting Started on TikTok – Tips & Tricks for Beginners

Since TikTok’s launch in 2016, it has grown exponentially in popularity. I discovered TikTok during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown and realized just how popular the platform was. I, like many, began using TikTok excessively, constantly scrolling through the “For You” page (FYP), or the “Explore” page for entertainment and the next new trend. It was one of the only things that provided an escape for me during the stressful time. A lot of the popular videos at the time were dance videos to small clips of popular songs. To pass the time, I started learning some of the dances and posting some videos of me dancing to the same songs and following the trends. I will admit that I am in no way a professional dancer, but it was a great distraction, and it was just a lot of fun. I started to notice likes and comments on some videos, and I started to notice that I would get more engagement at specific times. It was exciting to watch my account grow from a few followers to a couple hundred. As time has passed TikTok has become more than just fun dances – it has become a space for entertainment, how-tos, and discovery. And while the algorithms are a bit random (which not only exposes you to new things but also makes it fun), TikTok can be a great way to develop a new audience. So, if you are someone that is interested in posting and engaging on TikTok, I wanted to share some basic tips and tricks that I have learned to help you get started!

1. Create and build out your profile. Create a simple username and add a profile photo that gives off the same energy as the content you want to post. Make your bio related to what you will offer on your profile and present yourself so that it is clear what type of content you will post. You will also want to link your other social media accounts so that your audience can engage with you on other platforms.

2. Plan your first few videos. If you don’t know what content to start with, start by browsing TikTok and reflecting on things that interest you, your hobbies, etc. Are there trends or dances that interest you? Are you a green thumb with some tricks to share? Did something funny happen that can be shared? Plan different video ideas and post a few. Once you post them, watch the engagement and views you receive on your first few videos. This is the best way to see what your audience likes. But don’t be afraid to post content YOU enjoy even if engagement is low.

3. Adapt to trends. TikTok trends are constantly changing. Be willing to change your filming style or try new things when you see different trends on the FYP. Scrolling through the FYP for ideas is a great way to see trends and try new things.

4. Utilize app features. Try different filters, add sounds to your videos and figure out the best way to make videos for you. A lot of creators add captions to their videos. Some people film directly on the app, while others film a regular video and use video editing apps to splice things together. One of the most popular filters on TikTok is the green screen filter. This allows you to film a video while also sharing photos or videos from your camera role.

5. Use #hashtags! Using hashtags can increase engagement on your videos, though it is important to only use them when they are relevant to the posted video. TikTok captions only allow for a small number of characters – so use your hashtags wisely!

6. Posting time matters. After posting a few videos at different times you will find what posting time is best for your account. The more you post the easier it is to figure this out, as well as identifying your audience. Knowing your audience can be a big part of what time you post. For example, if a large part of your audience is in the work force or work 9-5 jobs, posting at lunch time or after the workday may be the best time for you.

7. Use closed captions on your videos. Making your content accessible to all is important – so always add closed captions or text bubbles.

8. The shorter the video – the better. Interesting content that can be wrapped up in 15-30 seconds will get you the most engagements. TikTok recently allowed their videos to be 3 min long, which is a long time to hold your audience. The shorter and more interesting videos will give you more views and engagement. If you have a video that is longer, think about splitting into 2 videos. This also leaves your audience coming back for more.

I have found that TikTok is a very user-friendly app after testing new features and understanding what works best for me. Ultimately, I think it is important to remember that getting started on TikTok and creating some content to post is the hardest part of getting started, but allowing yourself to be open and try new things makes the rest of the journey easier. And don’t forget that not everyone can have a video hit millions of views – so don’t put that kind of pressure on yourself. Though, you never know! I hope my experience with TikTok and the tips & tricks I have uncovered along the way help jumpstart your TikTok engagement. If you are interested in following me on TikTok, find me at @katiemccannon